NEW YORK — In poll after poll, Americans say the economy is the paramount issue facing the nation, with hot-button social issues trailing far behind. Nonetheless, abortion will likely be in the election-year spotlight in a slew of states facing possible votes on sweeping abortion bans.
In at least 12 states, including crucial national battlegrounds such as Ohio and Virginia, anti-abortion activists are seeking to place “personhood” measures on the ballot this year. The measures vary in some details, but in general they define human life as beginning with fertilization and are intended to ban virtually all abortions, even in cases of rape and incest.
Supporters and opponents of personhood will be seeking to galvanize their camps this weekend during a flurry of rallies, vigils and fundraising events marking Sunday’s 39th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe vs. Wade ruling. Personhood measures, if approved, would directly challenge that ruling, which established a woman’s right to an abortion.
For now, it’s unclear how many personhood proposals will go before voters this year. Authorities have given the green light to gather signatures for proposed ballot measures in Colorado, Ohio, Montana and California, while legislators in Kansas, Virginia, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Alabama and Georgia have been working on bills that could lead to personhood referendums.
In Nevada and Arkansas, personhood campaigns also are in place but have been slowed by disputes over the wording of proposed ballot measures. In Florida, anti-abortion activists are gearing up to seek a referendum in 2014.
1 percent
Respondents in a Gallup Poll this month who cited abortion as the most important issue facing Americans
13 percent
Voters in Iowa’s GOP caucuses who said abortion was the key issue in choosing a candidate
